London

Kids
Something I’ve always loved about Maida Vale is having so many great places within a few minutes’ walk. But since my 18-month-old daughter Ruby-Rae came along, walking for its own sake has become a big thing for me. Our favourite places include Violet Hill Gardens, a tiny, picturesque park hardly anyone seems to know, and Regent’s Canal, which runs through Little Venice.
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Food and drink
I’m quite the foodie, and am spoilt rotten because my husband Matt is a chef who runs the Underground Cookery School (020 3116 2076, undergroundcookeryschool.com) in the City. On the rare occasions that I give Matt time out from the kitchen, Raoul’s Café (020 7289 7313, raoulsgourmet.com) on Clifton Road is great. We indulge in a few luxuries at the to-die-for deli counter, like superb goat’s cheese or gorgeous olives. For a brunch blow-out, there’s only one place to go – Vicki’s (020 7289 6399), across the street. It’s a good honest caff that’s been there for years and serves unfussy breakfasts and salads.

Shopping and beauty
I’m not the kind of person who likes having my hair done. It’s more a case of catching my reflection one day and realising I look shocking! So Mario Sammour (020 7625 1124), on Abbey Road, is a godsend. While the cuts and colours are top quality, they always seem to be able to accommodate me whenever I call up saying, ‘It’s an emergency! Can I come tomorrow?’ Prepare to leave your wallet looking a little sadder if you splash out on the gorgeous blooms at Absolute Flowers & Home (020 7286 1155, www.absoluteflowersandhome.com). But its gift section is a great find. If you’re invited to dinner with friends, you can get a caddy of posh tea for a few notes, or a gorgeous candle.
Visit www.55max.com for framed prints, canvasses and original art.

'The properties overlooking the canal in Little Venice are the most sought-after in Maida Vale, but as there are very few of them, the demand is high. Behind the canal, the streets are full of grand white-stucco-fronted properties, which are now converted into apartments. Many of these hide behind them a large enclosed garden that residents have access to. The more affordable homes in W9 are in the streets surrounding Harrow Road, which has a mixture of purpose-built apartments.' Jonathon Miller, Sales Manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s St John’s Wood branch (for more information on property in London visit www.kfh.co.uk).

Source: KFH 'Completely London' magazine.